June Southwest Colorado trip advice

Question

Hi! My family of 2 adults and 4 kids (14, 12, 9, and 7) will be flying into Denver in early June of this year. We will be renting a car and driving to Colorado Springs to start our trip. We enjoy national parks, outdoor activities, animals, historical sites, and eating out. We are early risers due to the kids. We have done several long road trips over the last few years (SD, TX, KY, NC) so comparatively the drives I have planned out don't seem too bad. I tend to over plan so I'm looking for feedback on this itinerary before I book flights and lodging. My husband does not like high drives (he did not like the Blue Ridge Parkway) so we do not plan to drive the Million Dollar Highway. I would like to add a hot springs visit and a jeep tour somewhere too.

Day 1: Arrive in Denver by 12 (maybe as early as 9 am), get rental car, drive to Colorado Springs, if time then an activity?

Day 2: Garden of the Gods, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, Manitou penny arcade

Day 3: Pikes Peak, drive to Salida, staying at Creekside Cabins, ?

Day 3: Independent Whitewater rafting, St. Elmo ghost town

Day 4: Great Sand Dunes in the morning, drive to Durango

Day 5: Mesa Verda (cliff dwelling tour I know to book in advance)

Day 6: train to Silverton, bus back

Day 7: ?

Day 8: fly back from Denver (late flight at 7 pm)

Thank you for any feedback!! I have used this site to plan several trips and the posts are always so helpful!

Answer

Your June Southwest Colorado itinerary looks well thought out for a family with kids, and it balances driving, outdoor activities, and historical sites nicely. Since you’re avoiding high, challenging mountain roads like the Million Dollar Highway, your route is reasonable for both comfort and scenic value. Here’s some detailed feedback and suggestions to optimize your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Denver and drive to Colorado Springs

Driving from Denver to Colorado Springs takes about 1–1.5 hours. If you arrive early (9–12), you could stop at the Garden of the Gods Visitor Center for a short walk or quick scenic view before checking into your lodging.
Alternatively, a casual stroll through Old Colorado City or a quick bite at a local café is kid-friendly and allows everyone to stretch after the flight.

Day 2: Colorado Springs activities

Garden of the Gods is perfect for an early morning hike or short walk. The kids might enjoy the “Balanced Rock” and the short nature trails.
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is fun for all ages, and consider the Mountaineer Sky Ride for a unique view of the city.
Manitou Penny Arcade is quirky and interactive, great for a short afternoon stop before dinner.

Day 3: Pikes Peak and Salida

Driving up Pikes Peak via the summit road can take several hours including stops. Consider checking the conditions in June, as some snow may still be present early in the month.
Afterward, drive to Salida (~2.5–3 hours) for an overnight at Creekside Cabins. The town is charming with shops and river views, perfect for an evening walk.

Day 4: Whitewater rafting and St. Elmo Ghost Town

Morning rafting trips in Salida or nearby Arkansas River are very family-friendly. Book a guided trip suitable for kids to ensure safety and fun.
In the afternoon, drive to St. Elmo Ghost Town (~45 min from Salida). It’s a largely preserved mining town and very interesting for kids, with short walks and historic buildings.

Day 5: Great Sand Dunes and drive to Durango

Morning at Great Sand Dunes National Park: plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the dunes, and bring water shoes for kids to wade in Medano Creek if it’s flowing.
Drive to Durango (~4–5 hours). Consider stopping in Pagosa Springs for a short soak at the hot springs—great way for everyone to relax after driving.

Day 6: Durango to Silverton

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a highlight. Book tickets in advance; the train ride takes about 3.5–4 hours one-way. You can take the bus back or return on the train depending on your schedule and budget.
Kids will enjoy the train experience, and the scenery is stunning without needing to drive challenging roads.

Day 7: Mesa Verde and optional local activity

Spend the day at Mesa Verde National Park visiting the cliff dwellings. The tours for kids are engaging and the walkways are manageable with breaks.
If you have extra energy or want a lighter day, consider exploring downtown Durango, Durango Hot Springs, or a short hiking trail nearby.

Day 8: Return to Denver

The drive from Durango to Denver is long (~6–7 hours). For a late evening flight, consider leaving early morning to give yourself plenty of buffer time.
Alternatively, check flights out of Durango or consider a midday flight to minimize stress on the last day.

Additional Tips:

Consider packing snacks and water for all drives, especially for the kids.
Book rafting and train tickets early—they can sell out quickly in June.
Hot springs options along the route include Pagosa Springs or Ouray for a family soak.
Check each site for COVID or seasonal restrictions, as well as parking options for quick stops with kids.

Overall, your itinerary is feasible and balanced, with a mix of outdoor adventure, history, and family-friendly activities. Spacing out the longer drives with interesting stops like hot springs or ghost towns will help keep the kids engaged and make the trip memorable.

June Southwest Colorado trip advice

More Colorado (CO) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions